The 2015 Eurovision Song Contest has a theme of Building Bridges and it seems to be having a positive effect for one of Eurovision’s strongest supporters – the LGTB community. There is no doubt that Conchita Wurst’s Eurovision Song Contest victory has had a positive effect on the cause of equality. She dedicated her Eurovision win to all those who hope for equality and unity, stating. “This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable.” Conchita has taken up the cause of equality for the LGTB community and was hailed by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon who called her victory ‘an electrifying moment of human rights education’ and said ‘she confounds people’s preconceived ideas of gender and sexuality – and she appeals to them to accept her as she is.’ ARead More

It seems incredible to think that an entire year has passed since that moment that Conchita Wurst stood victorious on the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Copenhagen and declared: ‘This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable.’ The moment came as a result of two years of dedication after finishing second in the Austrian Eurovision selection final of 2012. In 2013, Austria was absent from the Eurovision Song Contest, claiming that it was too political and they didn’t stand a chance of qualifying for the final. Even broadcaster ORF hadn’t realised the potential of the Unstoppable Conchita Wurst. In 2014, ORF gave the nod to Conchita, the brainchild and creation of the incredibly talented Tom Nuwirth. As Conchita, Tom toured Europe, performing at every available preview show, tirelessly promoting Conchita andRead More

The Eurovision Song Contest turns 60 this year and Eurovision fans have three mouth-watering events this year to look forward to. The Eurovision Song Contest takes place on May 23rd, with semi finals on May 19th and May 21st. But as a special event, the EBU and BBC are combining to hold a “Eurovision’s Greatest Hits” show on Tuesday 31st March at the swanky London Eventim Hammersmith Apollo. Eurovision Greatest Hits will feature a string of Classic Eurovision Song Contest entries going back to the 1970s. Although Cliff Richard, Celine Dion, ABBA and Bucks Fizz didn’t make it to the final line up. Those that did appear include Loreen with Euphoria – the 2012 Eurovision Winner that shot to the top of the charts around the world. Surprisingly, Dima Bilan is included with his controversial winner – Russia’s only success. Most pundits believe Ukraine should have won the competition thatRead More

As 2014 draws to a close, we can look back at one of the stand-out Eurovision Song Contest year’s of the competition’s 59 year history. Austria’s victory marked more than just a second win for the small landlocked nation at the heart of Europe, it made a statement about Europe’s acceptance of people, no matter what their ethnic origin, gender or sexual preference may be. Conchita Wurst’s victory in character as the glamour lady with a beard somewhat overshadowed her achievements as a quality vocalist with a powerful musical piece. So too is the race for victory with The Netherlands’ Common Linnets pushing her all the way and Swedish superstar Sanna Nielsen claiming perhaps a disappointing third place. No countries from the former Soviet Union or Yugoslavia featured in the top three, Turkey’s diaspora did not automatically turn to Azerbaijan and the Greek and Albanian diaspora deserted their traditional antics.Read More

It might seem absurd to most in the United Kingdom that countries are already announcing their 2015 Eurovision Song Contest entries more than six months before the event takes place in Vienna next year. But Belgium and Montenegro have already announced their artists, the Swiss have been busy voting online through the first stage of their selection process and FYR Macedonia and Malta are both holding national finals in the next three weeks. So why is Eurovision starting earlier every year? One reason is that the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest was such a huge success in terms of music quality, television ratings and media coverage. Several entries outperformed expectations in music charts at home and across the continent and Conchita Wurst’s huge media coverage after winning has kept the competition fresh in the minds of the European public. It seems logical for broadcasters to capitalise on the success of thisRead More